Would’ve called Rolex the world’s most frustrating brand since buying one at retail is all but impossible. That Bulova is gorgeous though.

Agreed. The simplified dial is definitely more in keeping with the retro styling & if it was 38mm (or smaller) that would be a truly killer watch.

I really like your version! Also, I would rather have an acrylic crystal than mineral! Either make it sapphire so it won’t scratch, or make it so I can fix it.

For my 2 cents worth, I think the simplified dial would work well as more of a dress watch, but for an everyday piece in the office the additional complication makes the watch a little more interesting.

I agree - it’s a good-looking watch with lots of vintage charm but would look better without the 24 hour complication. I’d move the date window to the 6 o’clock position and have a closed caseback. (And swap out the mineral crystal for a sapphire one.)

Yep. The simplified version is the way forward . Sapphire crystal, exhibition caseback, automatic movement & it's a winner.

I’m with team JOMW on this one. The date window can definitely be omitted. The 24h dial could be placed at 6 instead, if included.

Yes, definitely prefer your simplified version. I nearly bought this based on your first video but just can’t see past the 12/24 hour dial which I think is totally unnecessary. I don’t mind the date window. It’s just gorgeous to me and I’d buy it in a heartbeat without the subdial (although I may buy it yet 🤔😀).

The 24-hour register is actually quite handy when pair with the date window--saves you a little work when setting it : )

You're right about the Bulova Lunar Pilot - I had one briefly and it's the only watch I've owned that I felt was TOO big and I've got some big watches! There's just something about the design that makes it look even bigger than it is, sadly... Nowadays I'm down to just one Bulova, a vintage Deep Sea 666 'hummer'.

One of the biggest mysteries in the watch industry is how every single person on the planet, except the Bulova product planning department, knows a 40mm-42mm Lunar Pilot would be an absolute home run.

The original is a gorgeous watch but I definitely prefer the simplified rendered version. Thanks for sharing!

Jody, I pulled the trigger on the Lunar Pilot on a bracelet 2 days after the Moonswatch release. For $380 AUD the Swatch was still only a Swatch. I felt the $600 AUD on the high beat Bulova made more sense. I don't think it looks too big on my 7.5 inch wrist, and when placed next to the Pagani Speedie they present quite similarly. Thanks for your ongoing contributions.

I didn't really see how it could be a 9/10 until I saw the render. I prefer that honestly. A 10/10 for me would be Sapphire crystal and silver hands and indices as I'm not a huge fan of two tone in general. But I definitely agree that Bulova loves to shoot themselves in the foot. I do have one Bulova myself and love it, but it's a reasonably sized MarineStar so nothing huge.

I like the 24hr sub dial ... it goes nicely with the glow and radiant color of the dial from center out to the edge.

Really cool showing a comparison of the orginal and edited version of the watch, the edited version looks waaay better

I think that the 24hour dial could actually be a seconds hand, maybe located at 6 o clock in a more discreet style and it could lose that date window altogether. I mean if it was basically a small seconds watch it would be actually much better already.

I actually like the 24-hr subdial. Maybe for this model a rotating 🌞 & 🎑 would be more appropriate. Overall, nice piece 👍

Agree with you, much better without the 24hr and date complications. I have the Lunar Pilot BTW on the bracelet, I do love it and sizes well on my wrist.

agree with your comments re: added complications. This is a dress watch, most likely for occasional use, I don't want to be bothered setting everything up again each time you pick up the watch.. Rather have it with their high end super high beat quart movement with that lovely sweeping second hand! Cheers

Great video Jody. Definitely agree with your simplified design-lose the 24 hrs sub dial and lose date window or at least have fast 6 o’clock as you say. Petty about the low water resistance rating and presumably not a screw Down Crown but for the money you can’t have everything. I like a strong long lasting Lume, so it’s not for me.

I like the complications. Symmetry is overrated! The more you simplify the design of a watch, the more similar they all become, and where's the fun in that? The quirks are what make them interesting! Anyway, thank you for uploading such top notch content so consistently. Your channel has become part of my morning ritual while I have my coffee. Cheers Jody!

Wow. The Glynn+Jody Aerojet would be amazing. Get it down to 38mm and a bit slimmer, and I'm almost certainly buying one. Having lived nearby their original HQ in Queens for a long time now, I've always felt a special affection for Bulova -- a vintage Caravelle is one of my favorites in my collection. But agreed, it's a frustrating love at times.

The watch looks great in my opinion, much more eyecatching than the simplified version. The name 'Aerojet' sounds like a type of flightwatch for me. That's why I think that the 24h indicator is well placed. Nether the less great video and thanks for the presentation of this Bulova. Greetings 👋

I'm in between the two. I would keep the 24 hour indicator, maybe move it down to the 6 o'clock position and make it a bit smaller, but get rid of the date complication.

I liked it but couldn’t deal with the 24hr indicator. Ended up getting the quartz version. Only $75, 39mm, 8.4mm thick and the tuning fork is applied but the Bulova script is printed so it’s not all chunky and funky. Very clean and simple, just what it should be. Yes it’s not automatic but it’s a very pretty, wearable and affordable little grab and go.

Hi!!! I like your design best, but maybe I would add a well integrated and color matched date wheel at 6, probably round, but not sure. And if you really wanted a 24 hour indicator, maybe an extra hand on the middle, GMT style. I also agree that the bulova lunar would benefit from a smaller case size. Also Seiko is going up in price, and seems to have quality control issues, mainly with bezel alignment, so what I've done is stick to models with no bezel that needs aligning in the first place. My last two purchases are the new seiko 5 flieger in black with the milanese, and the no bezel alpinist in blue with the blue leather strap, for which i've ordered a metal bracelet with solid links, solid endlinks and a diver's extension clasp, so I dont have to be afraid of wetting the strap😅. They're both really nice, but you can see a jump in finishing quality on the alpinist

Whoa. In that side-by-side, it is striking how my mind thinks it sees some of the same design DNA as in the MIL-SHIPS you mentioned near the end (the latter being Fifty-Fathoms level gorgeous to my eyes - you *will* be on my wrist someday, Milships). Given its origin story as a prototype watch, I understand that this is just me seeing shapes in the clouds. I like harmoniaartificiosa's idea of moving that 24hr complication down to the 6, like a kind of small-seconds caught in a temporal distortion - and shrinking it, obvously. Imagine that instead of the two-tone, that complication played with the radial brushing and fume motifs of the main dial. Or... and this feels like an admission, here. I like a GMT set to the same time zone as the main hands. The 24hr hand just really works for me as a sort of fuel gauge for life. I know the other hands contain the same information, but that "once around the circle is all you get" is somehow more visceral and intuitive. As in, "Oh dang, half the day is over and I am leaving comments on KZfaq videos and not preparing the lecture for class on Tuesday." True story. And yes, for the love of all that is holy, why do they keep putting dates on mechanical watches they know we will only be wearing occasionally?

Great video, I was a Bulova man from the beginning, my Mom was the Secretary of an American Jewelers association, so I got to know a Watch Technician that was trained at the famous, original Bulova School for WWII Veterans. Mr. Graham showed me a Bulova internal movement back in 1963, needless to say I became a Watch Geek early and totally loyal to Bulova. Over the past 7 years I lost an affinity for the brand, especially after the seperation from the previous Bulova CEO Mr. Thume. I loved the Accu Swiss line and really felt we were on our way back, but Citizen acquired Frederique Constant / Alpina so Bulova was put back in the junky category. Recently there has been some interesting models but nothing I find compelling. At least the brand still exists and I have a lot of admiration for Citizen as a Global Environmental Corporation. In my opinion there is not much effort in the design of Bulova Models beyond re introducing the old models, a good example is the Devil Diver, nice but with a junk movement that doesn't even hack. I still hope but I like Timex a whole lot better. Great video Jody, but every time I look at the Bulova line I want to cry!

Hi Jody, If you want to try a real good around $200 Bulova automatic (myota movement) that IMO kind of fits your desire, give the Bulova military hack, 96A246 automatic field watch. I especially like the 24 hour indicator Arabics on the inside of the dial, also comes with a black leather nato. What's not to like. Cream or white dial.

I really like the 24 hour indicator, which is strange because I ordinarily do not go for subdials, period. No dates, even for prom. So I will say i like the edit, but perhaps switch the 24 hr subdial to a nice GMT?

Im sorry, I need a date window. Be nice if it was a color matched to the edge of the dial at the 3 or 6 with a slim gold boarder. No cyclops. A bit of some angles to the hands to catch more light would be nice. This just pushes me for a cocktail seiko...

Love my Lunar Pilot, but agree it would have been better a few mm smaller (thankfully I can still pull it off at 45mm). The funny part too is I actually paid less for it on the metal bracelet than what the Moonswatch MSRP is here, thanks to a great sale on Amazon.

I biggest no no for me with the Moon Pilot is the proportion of strap size to watch diameter, it looks like a 40 with a 14strap width. I checked my TAG which is a similar big boy at 44 but it has a 22 bracelet and to my eyes has "normal" proportions.

I think it's just a matter of taste, style etc. That watch has its place in the overall spectra of models. If you don't like that design, just proceed to an empty dial model. There is plenty, and I would say plenty plenty of those around. But overall, good marketing for Bulova.

I have a Bulova 96B258, which is the moon watch on the steel bracelet, and the balance is fine on my 7-1/2 inch wrist. I also have their 96B260 Precisionist Chronograph which also sports their high-frequency quartz movement. The rest of their catalogue leaves me a bit ... meh ... but one model I eventually tracked down at a reasonable price here in OZ was their blue and gold Curv model, 98A159. This has to be one of the most comfortable watches I own, and again, with its VHF quartz movement, extremely accurate.

The bit that really bothered me (which you addressed in your version) is the font of “Aerojet”. The italics with the action lines on either side look very sporty for an otherwise classy, dressy looking watch overall.

I would take Jody's version, BUT: I'd still add that date window because I just like having the date. No idea where I'd put it though! I definately like the removal of the 21 jewels part in addition to removing the 24h. It makes the sector dial work much better.

The updated render looks excellent, great video

Simplified version all the way, less is more. Totally agree with the thoughts on the size of the lunar pilot. Side by side with the speedmaster pro it’s just massive. Even the speedmaster is a bit on the large size but at least it’s true to the heritage.

Re: the Bulova Lunar Pilot, try with a slightly narrower band. I have my no date polished LP on a standard length (the shorter of the two lengths available) horned 18mm Forstner Komfit (expensive but I got a good deal on the watch) and it helps balance out the size of the watch - looks good, feels great, and is a perfect fit for my 7" wrist.

I totally agree with your assessment of Bulova current design trends. I have over 30 Bulovas, divided between current/recent offerings (e.g. Lunar Pilot, Devil Diver, Precisionists), older Swiss movement models (automatics and quartz) and vintage. The wonderful 3-hand Precisionist, Precisionist Chronograph and Lunar Pilot modules fit in and were placed in more rationally sized cases than what is currently being offered. It feels like Bulova (Citizen) hired some Invicta designers. I wish they would return more to the design aesthetic of the Accu-Swiss (2012-2015) era and earlier.

I’d prefer it without the 24 hour complication, but I’d also like a slightly lighter shade of blue on the dial. I love the look of the Bulova Accutron 521 re-issue but I wish they’d scaled it up a little from 32x32mm..

Better with the complications. I think the 24 hour dial adds a bit of interest with the silver half matching the case and it has the look of a horizon line given the name on the dial, but maybe the date wheel could have been colour matched. Would definitely look odd being that thick while only being a 3 hander with no date. If you thinned it down you lose that perceived depth effect. A gold coloured case with gold half 24 hour dial and colour matched date wheel would look sweet with those hands and indices.

I wasn't aware of the back catalog. When I heard "aerojet" and saw the dial, I immediately thought that the 24hr subdial was supposed to mimic an airplane's artificial horizon gauge.

I'd be curious to see with date (3 or 6) and no 24 hour indicator. Definitely improvement by removing the 12/24 complication. Without any complications, though beautiful, I might prefer an Orient Bambino.

I don't mind the 24hr complication. It would have been amazing, if it were adjustable independently from the time, as a GMT complication. I think a date display is very useful, but I agree with you here, it doesn't fit well into the dial.

You have to understand that Bulova has been a zombie brand since 2008...owned by a Japanese conglomerate whose primary investor is the Citizen watch company. I know that prior to the 2008 purchase, it was briefly owned by a Chinese company, who redesigned a lot of the classic Bulova designs so as to "update" and "modernize" them, and included a lot of those fake tourbillon "heart" movements, so prevalent in cheap chinese automatic watches. Unfortunately, Citizen simply reissued those "updated" designs once they took over, except now, they've replaced most (but not all) of those cheap Chinese movements, with various Citizen ones. Sadly most classic legacy brands like Bulova, Wittnauer (owned by the same conglomerate), Timex, and others, are now owned by several foreign companies, or are simply kept alive as zombie brands by the Chinese, banking on the past glories those brands made for themselves, over the space of decades.

I like your version Jody but, I love a date which I would have moved to the 6 o'clock position between the "automatic" and the 6 marker. Also add a solid caseback, how often does anyone look at an exhibition caseback, especially an automatic with a huge rotor blocking the view?

Keep and improve the Bulova's version (unless you shrink the simplified version to 36mm). Now, what to improve: Make it 41mm. Make the case wider and sloping. Make it 11-12 mm tall. Make the crystal distort heavily at the edges. Also lately I am drawn to "big eye" watches so improve the 12/24 indicator in the line of Longines Aviation Big Eye and you have a winner with zero extra manufacturing cost.

I think your version would be great and a lot better if this was a 38mm watch. 41mm on an alldial watch create such a vast space, you have to put something more on it than just a tiny datewindow. On most wrists it would look awkward otherwise.

100% agree. I bought the sutton tank white face gold markers. A little thick for a dress tank and that's the story of bulova. They just lack a little bit despite looking good, a bit like sekonda. They should stick to their accutron movement instead of myota and nh seiko as that is there strong point that no one else has. Also none of the packaging mentions sutton or what it means just a watch in a box but twice the price of pagani or steeldive.

Jody, you should check out the Bulova 96A242, it’s a retro reissue with a 40mm case, no unnecessary complications and a beautiful blue dial and domed mineral crystal for about $200 USD.

Citizen has some lovely watches the GMT Worldtime you reviewed a while back, the Calendrier BU0050-02L true moon phase also looks amazing ... for around $250.

Agreed. Would lose the 24 hour. I would keep the date but shorten the marker at the 3 position to give a safe space

The new automatic Accutrons are cool looking, thoughts?

Hey Jody, I'm on board with you with pretty much everything you have said about Bulova. Their modern offerings are reminiscent of the majority of invicta, a lot of styles just packed into one dial. About the Lunar Pilot I think it would be nice if they add a smaller dial version but for goodness sake keep the 44mm as it is perfect on my 8 inch wrist. I bought the special edition with the NATO strap complete with leather strips with embossed lunar mission details. That NATO takes it up a notch where its the only strap I have on it now. I also got the Devil Diver re-issue and my only niggle with that one is that they didn't use the original logo which does not have all the letter connected and looks much better than the re-issue. I am not a fan of cyclops' however this one is not on top but underneath the crystal which sort of allows me to live with it! The bracelet I don't even mention as it is a terrible hair nipper 70's press clasp piece of trash which I've never actually sized. I put my Devil Diver on a rubber Tropic and that's what's staying on it. I really love both my Bulova's and am considering the A-15 Pilot, the Surfboard and the chronograph C "Stars and Stripes". Like you say so often, there are so many micro brands with great specs that are competing for my money that it's a much more difficult sell to myself when I have limited space available in my collection. On this Aerojet I much prefer your version but I really don't like the Aerojet font and lines, for me the styles clash, one seems more tool watchish and the rest of the watch looks like a dress watch, cocktail stylish.

I like a 24 hour complication, as someone who rotates a few watches it's helpful for setting time, though if you remove the day window it wouldn't be needed at all. Not a fan of sector dials, and the "AEROJET" looks very cheap, way better shrunken down in the render

I’m with you Jody, simple is usually better when it comes to watches unless you really lean into the complications/business either to add functionality or as a stylistic choice. Here it doesn’t really work for me (but I’m sure it would for others). Absolutely love Glynn’s render of the JOMW version of the Aerojet. Takes this watch to an entirely different level. Even just scaling down the Aerojet text on the dial helps to improve things.

I like the simplified version but would like it more with a date window (blue background w/white numbers) at 6 o'clock.

2:24 Superb photoshop skills on that 4th lug XD Thanks for great videos mate!

Both style are fine but if it is more expensive to have the day / night indicator, then save the $. Mineral crystal is really not a gd idea though.

Nice watch but, I agree, omit the day/night and separate the Bulova logo letters. Why use the Accutron logo? It's not an Accutron?

The watch is nice minus the 24hr indicator, but the date window I don't mind at all. It is something that I'd personally find useful nultiple times during the day.

I definitely agree with the simpler version. Optimally, complications should have use cases that reflect their purpose. This watch is designed to serve the purpose of a good looking, well made watch that can be worn in any occasion - business, dress, casual - that does not call for a tool watch. So, why the 24 hour dial? And why the date? Sure, dates are ubiquitous in watches, even so what does the date window do for this watch? This watch deserves to be simply elegant.

I’m usually a less is more acolyte - but this time I like the aesthetics of the sub dial and like the overall look quite a lot. No need for it to be 24h indicator though - probably better as a seconds dial, and that may help to shave off a little of the height of the watch if the second hand could go. And that’s my bigger negative on the watch, height and diameter are both too much for this type of watch.

I like the simplified, but ditch the 'automatic' and replace with the date window at 6 position, the gold frame and white date will balance with the logo ;-)

Jody I think the reason Bulova is adding the extra complications is purely to differentiate it from a cheap Chinese watch or a MVMT. Yes a watch enthusiast will see how nicely the dial is laid out, the fine polishing off the hands and the depth of the dial as a strict three hander, but the average watch buyer isn't an enthusiast. I agree it looks so much better as a three hander though.

If I think that Bulova is also sitting on the Precisionist movement and only makes those monsters with it... Imagine if they made a classic design with it, it would be a poor man's Spring Drive that would sell like hot cakes!

The 24 hr window is upside down. The 12 should be in the same orientation as the main face. Also would be better at 8 rather than 9. The 24 hr makes sense with a date window but deleting both works.

I dont mind the subdial, but would rather it be for seconds (even if quartz!). It just creates some visual interest for me. As far as the date window, i gotta have it. I have terrible memory and often get asked the date since im known for knowing it with a flip of the wrist. That mineral crystal has got to go for sure. If rather have plastic i can buff. I agree with it being sized down a bit… and that movement is fine, but it’s nothing really worth looking at so I’d have it covered and allocate those funds toward something else.

Absolutely agree with you, Jody, the simplified dial is FAR better. I do like a date window though...

Like you, I prefer the ‘three handler’. Less is generally always more in my opinion. I like the Bulova brand and I also think they missed a trick by not reducing the diameter of the Bulova Swatch range of colourful watches to 38mm. 🤔

I bought the lunar pilot, put it on a black/grey (bond) nato and it looks superb. I have worn it more than any of my other watches since getting it. It is large but I have large wrists and can carry it off. I agree about many of bulova’s other offerings though.

I have one of their Sinatra watches. It is my only Bulova, but it is really cool. Not sure if you have ever reviewed those, but it is something Bulova has done well.

I wish bulova made the accutron space view with the tuning fork movement for like $300-$500

The 24 hour sub adds some more visual interest to the dial. Also it’s designed to resemble the attitude indicator you get inside a airplane’s cockpit…as this watch is called the Aerojet 🤷‍♂️ so maybe that’s why it’s there? Even if historically the Aerojet, as you showed here, didn’t have one. And while your redesign of the dial does look more elegant, it is a bit plain…see what I did there 😁

The simplified dial is better, but a step or two too far. I would keep the date window but change it to dark blue, lose the crosshairs, and leave the text alone or shrink it all about 10%. Maybe a little case shrink to 39.5 or 40mm. And finally, yes, a larger crown, perhaps with a little bit of onion shape.

yeah the edited ones is much cleaner looking, but for me the existence of the sub dial has pretty much gave it more of a character to the dial

Absolutely the simplified version looks cleaner, more pleasing to the eye. So, Bulova should lose the 24 hour indicator, which causes an imbalance in the dial. No need for the date window either. Good video. Thank you

The first time I've ever disagreed with JOMW! I think the open heart is a transfixing little feature and for anyone that doesn't own multiple mechanical watches it's an attractive addition. It's nice to watch the mechanism in action. Love the review anyway, as always, you have your format nailed 👊👏

The simple clean edited version is awesome!

The Bulova logo being joined up is not vintage its new, on vintage Bulova watches the letters are separately attached. I like the simplified version that was rendered but I'd prefer the original version if it had no date window.

Agreed But yours has that Classic Style. Can't stand the date windows at the 3 oclock, should have been at the 6pm. Also like how yours has the aerojet logo smaller that the Bulova Name. Yours is a 9-3/4 out of 10 as I prefer silver tone.

I like the original but I would have liked the simplified dial text and smaller "Aerojet" from the render. The watch design is quirky-cool.

I'm seriously loving the new camera. Usually I don't notice the difference, but the step up in quality is quite noticeable!

I don’t get the point of the 24 hour indicator, I went on eBay to look at vintage aerojets and they were beautiful clean dial layout, I can live with the date but this feels like an opportunity missed.

I prefer the complications. My only adjustment would be to change that big 24 hour sub dial and make it smaller (50%).

Simplified. I hate overcomplicated dials. Casio's Edifice line has gone haywire and, sadly, their Oceanus line has followed suit.

As someone who has an absolute hatred for leather, it really bites to see that hardly any watch makers have steel mesh bracelets on their newer releases, it always seems to be poor quality steel bracelets or even worse leather bracelets

they've got an uncomplicated aerojet one in auto and one in quartz, its a few years older than this one

Agree with you on the simplified dial, Jody. Although, I would take one with a better designed date window - perhaps with a background that matches the dial and a gold border.

Absolutely lose the 24-hr dial, but I would move the date window to 6 and slightly enlarge the frame so the gold is a little more obvious. Not sure about losing the "21 Jewels" text, but probably the right call. The crown is hilarious. Alternatively - try the latest Orient Bambino with blue fume dial (version 4 iirc). The bambino is the same size, I think, but the dial is uncluttered.

Bang on video. BULOVA HEAR THIS MAN. He is not alone. Your catalogue looks like you told a 9 year old to make a watch look "fancy": Gems! Roman numerals! More dials! Busy like a gaudy Italian blouse. I have one of your vintage military reissues and those are selling. I would give you my money for a Lunar Pilot in a heartbeat, but I don't have logs for wrists. The new Spaceview is a hit. Run with that! Slim that down for the wrists of mortal men and keep it tasteful. You could slay.

It would be nice to see if Citizen/Bulova/Miyota using more 8315 movements. It has a few upgrades such as hacking, better power reserve and main spring. I really feel Miyota movements get a bad rap but the 8315 is a nice upgrade that should be used more than the 8215. Anyway, don't like the dial layout. Your render is much nicer. Cheers!

Still a newbie to this hobby. I have an older Bulova Chrono that used to be my dad's and it is based on that watch that I judged the brand. An early buy that taught me a lesson about research first was an inexpensive dress watch from their Caravelle line. As soon as I took it out of the box and held it in my hands I realized I made a mistake. I do not hate the whole brand, I just bought a watch without research and asking the right questions about it. Thank you for being an ethical and enthusiastic resource.

What about a version with no 24-hour complication and the date at 6 between the "automatic" and the 6 and without the "21 jewels"?

Nice watch. I would just get rid of the 24 hr complication. I’ve got the no date lunar pilot. Love it. Another Bulova to consider would be the Precisionist 96B158. Extremely accurate and well priced. I agree on the open heart. I would never buy an open heart watch. I can’t stand them

Much prefer the simplified version. If I need to know the date, I look at my phone. If I need to glance at the time…. I’ll probably use my phone as well - BUT, when I glance at my watch I prefer to see an easy to read and elegant dial. 🤷🏻‍♂️

I like the surfboard with the orange strap and a devil diver. The lunar is pretty awesome but considering that I have a collection of omegas, I'll probably pass on the lunar pilot.